2019 Hillary Rodham Clinton Awards, Georgetown University, Washington DC

President DeGioia,
Senator Rodham Clinton,
Ambassador Verveer,
Colleagues and Friends,

It is a great honour for me to accept this award, which bears the name of a woman whose compelling and distinguished example continues to inspire many women – and men – around the world.

Women’s leadership is vital to advancing the human rights of all of us. And that leadership takes many forms – from institutions of government to social and political activism; from the home, the community and the workplace to schools, universities, and the arts.

From 16 year old Greta Thunberg to Jane Goodall – who, like me, is at a more advanced stage of youth – women are rising up to demand the world take action to prevent climate change.

In Sudan, where a political agreement was signed last month to enable a transition to democracy, young women have been at the forefront of protests, and have been called the “kandakas”, the title of the Queens of ancient Nubia.

Women are mobilising – again, as we always have -- not only for our own rights, but in every kind of movement for human dignity and equality.

I am inspired daily by the women and girl activists who defend human rights around the world. And yet, it should not be so arduous a challenge.

Women’s equality and rights are guaranteed under international law. But the struggle to achieve this elementary justice – this very basic fairness of equal opportunities – is far from over. In reality, women continue to be much poorer than men. They have fewer opportunities, less access to basic services such as education, and a lot less freedom to make their own choices and raise their voice.

So it is deeply troubling to see that instead of moving forward, some Governments, and many lobby groups, are pushing back on women’s rights.

There seems to be a renewed obsession with controlling and limiting women’s decisions over their bodies and lives.

We have got to come together to end this injustice. We need to mobilise, hold firm, and advance.

Because this planet is for all of us.

Because ending discrimination against women and girls will generate tremendous and sustainable development gains.

Because women’s participation in policy making will improve governance, and shape peaceful and secure societies.

Because women have rights. And it is time -- it is well past time -- for the universal realisation of the equality of every human being.

Thank you, Hillary, for the work you have done to drive progress.

I humbly accept this award on behalf of the women of the world, and the staff of my Office, who stand up every day to promote equality, dignity, and human rights.